Water heaters are essential for today’s modern homes. Unfortunately, they are appliances that also need frequent replacement. Even with regular maintenance, care, and attention, water heaters only last about 10-12 years on average. In areas with hard water, this lifespan can be further reduced.
After a replacement or two, you may start to wonder if there is a better option than the standard tank out there for supplying your home with hot water. Luckily, new water heater improvements have made it easier than ever to install, maintain, and enjoy residential and commercial water heating systems through a tankless design.
This alternative may not work for everyone, but there are several advantages that can make it worth it to switch. Here are a few reasons why you should consider a tankless water heater for your next upgrade.
1. Saves Space.
One of the biggest concerns with standard water heaters is the space requirements for installation. The larger the tank, the larger space you will need for storing it. Even if you wanted to upgrade your 30-gallon tank to a 50-gallon tank to better accommodate your family’s needs, you may not have the space needed to fit the larger model.
Tankless designs are smaller, more compact, and are usually fastened to a wall near your other utilities. This makes them ideal for homes with limited space, apartments, and townhomes. With the extra space, you may now have enough room for a water softener to keep your appliances safer from mineral buildup and preserve the lifespan of your new water heater.
2. Safety.
Unlike traditional water heaters, tankless water heaters do not have standing water in them, thus ensuring the water they are producing is free from rusty contamination which can be present in old traditional water heaters. Not only will the quality be better but you will not have the same hazards associated with traditional waters when they break, such as flooding and the associated risk of electrical shock while servicing a flooded room.
3. Efficient Operation, Cost-Effective.
Typical tanks use energy to heat the whole tank of water constantly, so you always have hot water on demand. A tankless model only heats water as it is needed, so it isn’t wasting energy heating water that is just sitting there. This not only helps tankless models achieve energy efficiency ratings but also helps you save money on your monthly energy bills as well.
4. Endless Supply of Hot Water.
Because tankless heaters heat water on demand, you don’t have to worry about the hot water running out in the middle of a task. A tank could take hours to reheat enough water for showering after you ran a load of laundry and washed dishes. With tankless, there is no downtime while you wait for the supply of hot water to return.
5. Longer Lifespan.
While standard tanks may last up to 12 years or much less depending on the mineral content of your water, a tankless design can last up to 20 with regular maintenance. Mineral buildup is still possible with a tankless heater, but it is much easier to clean and rid the appliance of minerals than a tank. Tankless heaters don’t typically form rust either, so they don’t have as much of a risk for developing leaks and causing extensive flooding in your home when it does reach the end of its life.
6. Easy Maintenance.
Like a tank, a tankless will require yearly professional tune-ups to maintain its efficiency and preserve its lifespan. Regular and yearly maintenance will not only extend the life of your unit, it is also included for Diamond Club members when you have Steve’s Plumbing supply and Install your tankless unit. Yet another benefit of letting Steve’s Plumbing do the work for you!
Before you rush out to call a “plumber near me” for a tankless upgrade, understand that installing a tankless model may cost a bit more than replacing your standard tank. There are various capacities of tankless on the market, so be sure to choose one that will meet your specific needs. A properly sized tankless heater can be a great addition to a home in today’s modern age.